I’m writing this post not long after we’ve received word that Pam’s aunt—the one remaining sibling among eight on her dad’s side of the family—has gone to be with the Lord. She knew Christ, so we rejoice at her homecoming. At the same time, though, it’s both humbling and convicting that an entire generation of this family is now no longer with us.
It’s humbling because we come face-to-face with the reality of death again. Pam’s dad passed away just over two years ago. Her aunt by marriage on that side of the family passed away just a couple months ago. Now, the Lord has called home the remaining Harvey sibling (and quite quickly, actually). They all lived long lives, but they have all also died.
That generation is now only memories—great ones, but memories nonetheless. Such, however, is the destiny for all of us. It’s humbling to me to remember that today’s generations become tomorrow’s memories.
At the same time, it’s convicting to me as I think about my own commitments and priorities. At the risk of readers thinking I’m only speaking “preacher talk,” here are some thoughts of my heart today:
- Generations come and go, but God’s plan goes on. We know that fact intellectually. We speak that language spiritually. We can even reconcile ourselves to it emotionally. I’m not convinced, though, that we think much about it practically. Most of us need these reminders that God’s plan is much bigger and greater than we are. The story is about Him—not about us.
- You and I are the products of those who’ve come before us. Each of us is responsible for his or her own choices and actions, but we’re nonetheless influenced by those who preceded us. From some, we’ve learned obedience to God; from others, we’ve learned idolatry of the self. Either way, we cannot ignore previous generations.
- How we live today affects not only our lives, but also those who follow after us. We know that truth, but I fear we fail to consider it deeply. We hope we’re influencing others for good, though it sometimes happens only by “accident” because we’ve not strategically thought about our responsibility. Ideally, we will intentionally model for the next generations what it means to follow Christ.
- Part of our role is to create memories that bring joy even amid grief. Next generations need good memories. They need role models in the past and in the present. They need us to lead them so well that they want generations following them to have the same blessings. When we have that gift, we can endure much grief in this world.
- And, here’s my challenge: we who are older have the responsibility to share with next generations what we’ve experienced and learned in our own walk with God. At a minimum, we should make sure they know the story of our Christian conversion. Beyond that pivotal moment, I challenge us to record our testimony, our history, our blessings, and our griefs. When God calls us home, let’s leave behind words in our own voice that still point to a gracious God. Make a difference in somebody’s life today and tomorrow.
